For the second consecutive season and third time in the last four, the Baylor softball team was ranked in a preseason poll after the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 announced the Lady Bears No. 24 on Tuesday.

Baylor returns 10 letterwinners and seven starters off the 2012 squad that went 34-22 and advanced to the NCAA Regional in Lafayette, La. Additionally, head coach Glenn Moore returns three players that redshirted last season, including All-American pitcher Whitney Canion, who is healthy and ready to begin the season. The Lady Bears will also welcome five freshmen into the fold.

BU is one of three Big 12 teams in the rankings, with No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 7 Texas. Along with the Sooners and Longhorns, four other 2013 opponents were ranked; No. 3 California, No. 4 Arizona State, No. 22 North Carolina and No. 23 Hawaii. 2013 foes Syracuse, Texas Tech and Illinois State are each receiving votes.

The Lady Bears began the 2012 season No. 7 before losing two starters, including All-American Whitney Canion, and finishing 34-22, advancing to the NCAA Regional in Lafayette, La.

BU will begin the 2013 season at home for the Getterman Classic on Feb. 7-10. To purchase season tickets, call 254-710-1000 or click here.